After 5 years: Aaron Plessinger and Red Bull KTM go their separate ways

The contract between Aaron Plessinger and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, which expires at the end of the season, will not be renewed. Since joining KTM in 2022, the American has stood on the podium 24 times: eleven times in Supercross and 13 times in Motocross. He has also secured two victories in the 450SX class.

Successes and setbacks

In the 2023 season, Plessinger finished third overall in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship behind Jett Lawrence and Dylan Ferrandis. In the same year, he represented the USA at the Motocross of Nations in Ernée. However, the US team fell short of expectations and could not finish higher than 8th.

First victory in 2024

In 2024, Plessinger celebrated his first victory in the 450SX class in San Diego. He subsequently wore the championship leader’s red plate for two rounds. After finishing third in Arlington, his Supercross season was cut short by an elbow injury. He finished the subsequent motocross season in third place overall, behind Chase Sexton and Hunter Lawrence. At the 2024 Motocross of Nations in Matterley Basin, Plessinger was once again part of the US team, which finished second behind Australia.

2025: Health issues

During the 2025 Supercross season, the KTM factory rider secured podium finishes at Daytona, Birmingham and Seattle, before celebrating his second victory in the 450SX class on the muddy track at Foxborough. Another podium followed at East Rutherford. Plessinger also got off to a strong start in the motocross season, but was subsequently held back by health issues resulting from low cortisol levels. Overall, the American had to cope with repeated injuries and health setbacks during his time with KTM.

Those were some of the best five years of my life

Aaron Plessinger

Statement from Plessinger

“Those were some of the best five years of my life,” Plessinger said after the SMX season finale in Ridgedale. “I’ve had a brilliant time at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and I’ll miss everyone terribly. Looking back, our results together were consistently strong over a long period of time. That’s something we can be proud of as a team. The support from the KTM fans also meant the world to me, and I’m glad we were able to give them such a great time. Above all, I’m grateful for the years we were able to spend together.”

Statement by Ian Harrison

Team manager Ian Harrison also paid tribute to the ‘Cowboy’: ‘It has been a privilege to work with Aaron over the past five years. He brought a unique personality to the team and made everyone feel part of his inner circle. His cowboy style made him a crowd favourite. From race wins and podium finishes to some difficult moments, Aaron has always represented Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with passion, professionalism and determination. We’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for us and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

It is as yet unclear what lies ahead for Plessinger. At 30, the American is now one of the older riders in the US paddock.